Judge seals evidence in accused synagogue gunman Robert Bowers case

Evidence in the case against the accused gunman in the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting will be sealed as attorneys on both sides prepare for trial.

Attorneys for Robert Bowers, people assisting with his case and potential witnesses or lawyers for those witnesses can see evidence in the case, Federal District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose ruled Monday.

Evidence cannot be made public and any evidence filed with the court will be sealed.

Bowers, 46, faces a 44-count federal indictment for allegedly killing 11 people inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh during services Oct. 27. More than half of the charges against him carry a possible death sentence.

Bowers last week pleaded not guilty to the charges.

U.S. Attorney Scott Brady filed a motion Friday asking that all discovery materials in the case be sealed. The attorneys representing Bowers did not object to the motion.